Top 25 ways 550 Paracord can be used during Emergencies
The 550 paracord (also paracord or 550 cord when referring to type-III paracord) is a strong and durable type of rope made from nylon. It was initially used for parachutes but is now famous for many other purposes. The “550” in its name refers to the minimum weight it can hold, which is 550 pounds. […]
Survival Tools That Fit in Your Pocket
When you walk out your front door in the morning, what do you make sure you’re taking with you?
For me, there are three things I always check.
Did I bring my wallet? Check ✔️
Did I bring my cellphone? Check ✔️
Did I bring my keys? Check ✔️
For each of those items – and maybe you have one or two more you always carry with you – one could quote the American Express card motto: “Don’t leave home without it.”
These three items have something else in common. They can all fit in a pocket, whether it’s in your pants, shirt, or jacket. There’s just something safe and secure about a pocketed item. And you can tell it’s there without even having to look.
3 compact tools from 4Patriots
Now, most survival tools are larger than your wallet, cellphone, and keys. But thankfully there are some that are compact enough to fit in a pocket.
And if you think about it, that’s not a bad place to keep certain tools because you never know when you’ll need one of them.
Sure, you can also keep these items in a backpack or bug-out bag. And it’s not a bad idea to do exactly that with your backup items. But just knowing you can fit some crucial survival tools in your pockets is a good reminder that you should have them with you whenever possible.
Today I want to talk about three of these survival tools. They are a power bank, a tactical flashlight, a water filter, and a mini solar panel. And it just so happens that 4Patriots offers all of them at very affordable prices.
The Patriot Power Cell is a pocket-sized “power plant” that can keep your important electronic devices charged. Including your cellphone, tablet, GPS unit, and many others.
You can charge your power cell with a USB adapter and a wall outlet or with the free power of the sun, thanks to its five-inch solar panel. Once it’s charged, you can use it to power up two devices at the same time.
Despite its compact size, the Patriot Power Cell is powerful. It can recharge your smartphone up to six times before needing to be recharged. And its ruggedized exterior protects against drops. Plus, it features a bright flashlight and an SOS flasher.
Most of our customers buy four at a time. When you do, you get $5 off each unit. Here’s how to get yours…
You probably own at least one flashlight. But if they are not multi-purpose tactical flashlights, you’re depriving yourself of having something far superior. In addition to several light functions, the HaloXT has small solar panels so you can charge it with just the power of the sun.
As well as a glass breaker, a seatbelt cutter, and a compass. The HaloXT also has an anti-slip handle and an adjustable wrist strap. Despite its small size and lightweight, it’s extremely sturdy. That’s because it’s made from aluminum alloy. It can handle abuse.
This tactical flashlight will continue to perform perfectly. It’s weather-resistant, shock-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. It even includes a magnet so you can secure it to your car and use both hands to work.
And you can charge other devices with the HaloXT. Including your cellphone and Patriot Power Cell. Here’s how you can get yours…
PocketSun Solar Panel
Have you ever watched workers installing solar panels on the roof of a house or other building? Those bad boys are effective… but they are usually pretty large and heavy. And require at least a couple of installers. What if you could easily pull a compact solar panel out of your pocket and start charging one of your devices?
Now you can with the PocketSun Solar Panel. Just unfold it and set it down where the free energy of the sun can reach it. Then start charging your USB devices. Such as your phone and tablet.
Weighing less than one pound, this mini solar panel features two USB ports so you can power multiple devices at once. And it never needs batteries.
You can take this extra backup power wherever you go. Including when you travel, camp, and fish. It’s great for emergencies or everyday usage. Get yours here… [link]
Simple to use and perfect for gifting
In addition to fitting in your pocket, the three survival tools I’ve described above have something else in common.
They’re all easy to use and make great gifts. When you buy several, you can keep them in different places in your home and in your vehicle, and give a couple to family members and friends.
They’re also silent and safe, and don’t require the electricity you pay for to keep them charged.
As one of our customers, John C., said, “I cannot believe how many items this company has come up with for our comfort and safety in our survival. Every item has a lot of thought & energy involved in protecting us from just about anything.”
Thanks, John. That’s what we’re here for. Hope you don’t mind, but I printed your comment and carry it with me… in my pocket.
10 Emergency Supplies You Should NOT Waste Your Money On
We talk a lot about emergency supplies you should have on hand for when a crisis situation develops. We even provide extensive lists of these items from time to time.
I think it’s about time we tell you which supplies you should NOT waste your money on.
Because every supply you purchase that won’t do you much good represents money you could have spent on something that could do you plenty of good.
Not to mention the fact that those unnecessary items take up valuable space in your storage area or bug-out bag.
Limit your single-use items
The first things I’d look at when seeking to avoid unnecessary emergency supplies are single-use items. The more different uses you can get out of a single item, the better. (Later I’ll mention 10 great multi-purpose items.)
On the contrary, single-use items such as regular, disposable batteries are a waste of money and space.
Other types of items I keep out of my emergency supplies are those that are not weatherproof. A bug-out situation will require spending more time outdoors than normal. You don’t want too many items that will require staying dry to work.
Additional things to stay away from when it comes to stockpiling supplies for a crisis are those that require more supplies to function. A great example is a gas-powered generator. Gas is not only heavy to transport, but also can be dangerous.
Avoid these money and space wasters
What are some other supply items you shouldn’t waste money on, for one reason or another? Here are a few:
Mass quantities of paper products. Yes, it’s good to have a decent supply of toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, etc. But stockpiling tons of those items in anticipation of stores running out is probably a waste of money. And it’s unlikely you’ll be able to use them for bartering.
Food with high sodium levels. Some food producers load up their food with lots of sodium. They do it for taste and preservation purposes. But in addition to not being good for you, that sodium is going to make you thirsty. Which means you’ll need even more water than you planned on.
Non-solar electronic devices. The electric grid is often the first casualty when it comes to an emergency caused by extreme weather or other problems. You want to have electronics with solar panels so you can recharge them with the free power of the sun instead of watching them die a slow death.
Water in large containers. You’ve seen those five and 10-gallon containers, right? They’re nice to look at but virtually impossible for most people to transport. If you suddenly have to bug out, you’ll have to leave all that life-giving water behind. Stick to containers the average person can carry. Even a gallon of water is heavy.
Too many canned goods. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have some canned food and beverages in your emergency supplies. The shelf life is not nearly as long as survival food, but canned items can sustain you for a while. However, they usually contain a lot of sodium and again, if you have to bug out, they can be very heavy to transport in larger quantities.
10 multi-use items
I mentioned that multi-use items are important to include in your emergency supplies. Here are a few you might consider adding to your stockpile, as well as some of their surprising uses:
Aluminum foil. Blade sharpener, meat wrapper, trail marker, grill cleaner, keep tinder dry.
Baby powder. Grease stain remover, ant repellent, deodorant, dry skin soother, shoe freshener.
Baking soda. Brush your teeth, eliminate smells, bug repellent, gain traction, pain reliever.
Bandanas. Handkerchief, washcloth, forehead protector, tourniquet, cordage, blindfold, dog collar.
Honey. Digestion aid, energy booster, inflammation reducer, splinter remover, wound treatment.
Lip balm. Blister soother, sunscreen, knife rust preventer, glass cleaner, zipper lubricator.
Plastic grocery bags. Insulation, trail marking, food storage, trash holder, wet item separator.
Rechargeable batteries. The function of the batteries doesn’t change but the list of items you can power is endless.
Steel wool. Fire starter, garden tool cleaner, scissors sharpener, screw tightener, rust remover.
Super Glue. Fix broken knife grip, water bottle sealer, skin repair, backpack strap repair, cordage strengthener.
Emergency Supplies You Should NOT Waste Your Money On
We talk a lot about emergency supplies you should have on hand for when a crisis situation develops. We even provide extensive lists of these items from time to time.
I think it’s about time we tell you which supplies you should NOT waste your money on.
Because every supply you purchase that won’t do you much good represents money you could have spent on something that could do you plenty of good.
Not to mention the fact that those unnecessary items take up valuable space in your storage area or bug-out bag.
Limit your single-use items
The first things I’d look at when seeking to avoid unnecessary emergency supplies are single-use items. The more different uses you can get out of a single item, the better. (Later I’ll mention 10 great multi-purpose items.)
On the contrary, single-use items such as regular, disposable batteries are a waste of money and space.
Other types of items I keep out of my emergency supplies are those that are not weatherproof. A bug-out situation will require spending more time outdoors than normal. You don’t want too many items that will require staying dry to work.
Additional things to stay away from when it comes to stockpiling supplies for a crisis are those that require more supplies to function. A great example is a gas-powered generator. Gas is not only heavy to transport, but also can be dangerous.
Avoid these money and space wasters
What are some other supply items you shouldn’t waste money on, for one reason or another? Here are a few:
Mass quantities of paper products. Yes, it’s good to have a decent supply of toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, etc. But stockpiling tons of those items in anticipation of stores running out is probably a waste of money. And it’s unlikely you’ll be able to use them for bartering.
Food with high sodium levels. Some food producers load up their food with lots of sodium. They do it for taste and preservation purposes. But in addition to not being good for you, that sodium is going to make you thirsty. Which means you’ll need even more water than you planned on.
Non-solar electronic devices. The electric grid is often the first casualty when it comes to an emergency caused by extreme weather or other problems. You want to have electronics with solar panels so you can recharge them with the free power of the sun instead of watching them die a slow death.
Water in large containers. You’ve seen those five and 10-gallon containers, right? They’re nice to look at but virtually impossible for most people to transport. If you suddenly have to bug out, you’ll have to leave all that life-giving water behind. Stick to containers the average person can carry. Even a gallon of water is heavy.
Too many canned goods. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have some canned food and beverages in your emergency supplies. The shelf life is not nearly as long as survival food, but canned items can sustain you for a while. However, they usually contain a lot of sodium and again, if you have to bug out, they can be very heavy to transport in larger quantities.
10 multi-use items
I mentioned that multi-use items are important to include in your emergency supplies. Here are a few you might consider adding to your stockpile, as well as some of their surprising uses:
Aluminum foil. Blade sharpener, meat wrapper, trail marker, grill cleaner, keep tinder dry.
Baby powder. Grease stain remover, ant repellent, deodorant, dry skin soother, shoe freshener.
Baking soda. Brush your teeth, eliminate smells, bug repellent, gain traction, pain reliever.
Bandanas. Handkerchief, washcloth, forehead protector, tourniquet, cordage, blindfold, dog collar.
Honey. Digestion aid, energy booster, inflammation reducer, splinter remover, wound treatment.
Lip balm. Blister soother, sunscreen, knife rust preventer, glass cleaner, zipper lubricator.
Plastic grocery bags. Insulation, trail marking, food storage, trash holder, wet item separator.
Rechargeable batteries. The function of the batteries doesn’t change but the list of items you can power is endless.
Steel wool. Fire starter, garden tool cleaner, scissors sharpener, screw tightener, rust remover.
Super Glue. Fix broken knife grip, water bottle sealer, skin repair, backpack strap repair, cordage strengthener.
Stock Up on Inexpensive Survival Gear
Perhaps the most common reason people give for not preparing is money.
They say that because they live paycheck to paycheck, there’s never anything left at the end of the month for stockpiling supplies.
It’s not that they don’t believe in the concept of preparing for an uncertain future. They’re fully convinced they’d be better off with survival food, water and a bunch of other items that will be essential for dealing with a crisis.
It’s just that when they finish paying for all the stuff they absolutely have to have, everything else is a luxury.
Thrift store prepping
I completely get that. And I sympathize with the plight of those who are barely scraping by.
But I also know that occasionally some unexpected money comes in. It might not be often and it might not be a lot, but it could sometimes be enough to get a survival stockpile going.
How? By purchasing items at the lowest possible price. And by doing it over time, rather than trying to gather everything at once.
So, whether you want to get started stockpiling necessary items for an emergency or you just want to economically add to your existing stash, here are some ideas for grabbing items from a Goodwill store or other low-cost venue. They might include Dollar Stores, Navy recycle stores and garage sales.
An economical goldmine
Winter clothes. Coats, gloves, hats and boots can usually be found at bargain prices at Goodwill or another thrift store.
First-aid kit. This is a kit you can form by purchasing bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, etc. You might even see a pair of crutches, a brace and a sling for sale.
Backpack. Yeah, it will be used, but so what? It will be far less expensive than a new one in a retail store. Make sure it has wide shoulder straps and a reinforced bottom.
Ponchos and other rain gear. Most of your winter clothes won’t be waterproof, so you need stuff that is. Grab an umbrella while you’re at it.
Sewing kit. Fabric, needles and thread will come in very handy when stores are not open and you have to mend clothes or a tent.
Gas can. If the grid goes down and gas stations close, a gas can filled with gasoline will be a precious commodity.
Tools. No one is going to care how shiny their tools are in a crisis. Pick up some used hammers, screwdrivers, shovels and rakes.
Blankets. Even if the inevitable disaster occurs during the warmer half of the year, nights will get cold. Wool blankets will feel like lifesavers.
Camping equipment. Look for used tents and camp stoves, which will be much cheaper at thrift stores than elsewhere.
Pots, pans and other kitchen gear. Very expensive when they’re new, these items can be found at great prices in thrift stores.
Survival items. Multi-tools, Mylar blankets and other survival gear can often be found at these types of stores. Not all of ‘em, but some.
Books/games/crayons. If you have to bug out and TV is a thing of the past, these items will provide boredom relief for you and the kids or grandkids.
Hunting gear. Even if you’ve never hunted before, grab some camouflage clothes, game bags and boots. Someday you may have to hunt for your meals.
Buy 1 Get 2 FREE Survival Food Kits? YES!
By saving significant amounts of money on items listed above, you could have funds remaining for life-saving survival food with a long shelf life.
And this is the perfect time to both stock up on survival food and save money. Why? Because for a limited time, we’re offering a Buy 1 Get 2 Free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit deal.
This delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner comes in disaster-resistant packaging and is designed to last 25 years. So you can lock in savings & peace of mind for the long haul.
With this Buy 1 Get 2 free deal, you’ll also get a free $25 gift certificate and a free Ultimate Survival Handbook. Not to mention we offer a military and senior discount.
How Do I Know Which Emergency Radio to Choose?
There’s a very good reason why nearly every preparedness list includes an emergency radio.
When extreme weather causes a power outage, you need something reliable to provide you with details about the storm and where it’s headed. And you need it quickly.
With violent weather becoming more frequent and more intense every year, owning an emergency weather radio has never been more important.
In keeping with our BlackOUT Friday Event, today I want to tell you exactly what to look for in an emergency radio. There are many choices out there. Some are good, some… not so much. The key is to find one that offers everything you’ll need.
Say yes to NOAA
The first thing you should do when it comes to selecting an emergency radio is make sure it’s a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio.
Having access to critical information is key to surviving in any emergency. With a NOAA weather radio, you’re certain to receive timely information about weather threats in your area. Including evacuation routes and other breaking news.
These radios broadcast official National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24/7. If you program your county’s six-digit code into it, a loud alarm will sound when dangerous weather approaches.
Some of these weather radios allow you to choose which particular alerts you want to receive. And which you don’t.
Plenty of charging options
OK, now you’re set with weather alerts. Is there anything else you need in an emergency radio? Yes, plenty.
Let’s start with how to keep it charged. A dead emergency radio is useless, so don’t choose one that gives you only one or two options.
You want a radio with a powerful battery inside. But you also want other ways to charge it.
Including plugging it into an outlet, exposing the radio’s solar panel to the sun and cranking it up by hand.
Power bank with a flashlight
Any of those options will keep your emergency radio charged. But you also want to have a radio that can “share the wealth.”
You may find yourself in a position where you need to charge your cellphone. Or a tablet, e-reader, camera, flashlight, cooling fan or another item. Select an emergency radio that can do all that.
There’s no guarantee you’ll have daylight when a weather emergency interrupts your life.
You may also need to light your path. So, make sure your radio includes a bright flashlight.
Light, compact and durable… with extras
Other features you want in an emergency radio are just as practical. For example, you don’t want one that’s heavy. It would be a burden to carry in your hand or in a bag.
You also want a radio that’s compact yet durable. One that can take a few dings without getting damaged. And what about some extras the average person might not think about?
Choose an emergency radio that includes a sturdy metal clip so you can attach it to a backpack or belt loop. Select one that has a charging indicator so you always know how much juice it has. Pick one with an earphone jack so you can listen discreetly.
Finally, you want an emergency radio that’s priced right. If for no other reason than so you can buy several of them. For your home and vehicle, and even as gifts for loved ones.
My recommendation
It may be difficult to believe, but every feature I mentioned as being important in an emergency radio is included in one radio – the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio.
Of course, this is not a coincidence. We started with the end in mind with this product. We made sure this tactical information hub features NOAA weather alerts, with seven 24/7 weather channels and AM/FM and shortwave radio.
We insisted it include an LCD display clock with alarm and an ultra-bright flashlight.
We made it lightweight with the ability to recharge with the power of the sun.
We added a hand crank for emergency starting. We even made sure that it could power up other devices when you need them most. Including your cellphone.
I feel like we’ve made the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio as desirable as we possibly can. But if you need any extra incentive, how’s this?
If you purchase three of them, I’ll provide you with free shipping and toss in a few bonuses. Including a free Patriot Power Cell, a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, a free HaloXT Tactical Flashlight and a $25 gift certificate.
Operation Homefront’s Back-to-School Brigade Provides School Supplies, Backpacks for Military Families
4Patriots makes a monthly financial donation to Operation Homefront. Once again in 2022 we provided products for the organization’s Back-to-School Brigade.
When we think about the women and men who serve our country in the Armed Forces, we usually focus on their sacrifice and bravery. And that’s as it should be.
But something we often overlook is the financial struggle many go through. Especially when they are transferred from one base to another. Sometimes this process involves buying and selling homes every year or two and placing their children in new schools.
Every penny counts, and when the academic year rolls around, there are plenty of expenses incurred with school supplies.
That’s why Operation Homefront steps in with its Back-to-School Brigade initiative. This program provides fully stocked backpacks to tens of thousands of children of our military members each year.
Volunteers Make It Go
Samantha Martin has been an Area Manager for Operation Homefront for the past 3½ years. She covers four states (the Carolinas, Tennessee and Kentucky) for the organization.
“It’s an enormous region, so you can imagine that we rely heavily on our volunteers,” Samantha said. “Volunteers are part of what allows us to use 88 to 90 percent of our expenditures on programs for military families.
“This number fluctuates for a number of reasons, to include the purchase and selling of homes for the veteran’s program. We have an extraordinary reach in our programs, from relief to resiliency to recurring support.”
Among Samantha’s responsibilities are managing and growing nationwide programs that impact service members and their families, as well as veterans. She conducts research, and plans and coordinates all development and fundraising to support those programs.
She also develops and grows community relationships with clients, service providers, volunteers, military organizations or representatives, and corporations and businesses. In addition, she organizes and maintains volunteer programs, assignments, recruitment, training and retention.
500,000th Backpack Distributed
“This year, with more than 120 events, we at Operation Homefront are delivering our 500,000th backpack filled with school supplies to military kids, saving families over $55 million since the program began in 2008,” Samantha said.
“As you can imagine, there is lots of planning, execution and volunteer training to do to pull this off each year.”
In the past year, Operation Homefront has served 43,170 military kids through its Back-to-School Brigade program. Operation Homefront has had 62 official events serving 17,135 kids, 102 partnership events serving 23,901 kids, and 41 Hunt events that have served 2,134 kids.
Included in the recent events were 825 backpacks distributed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, 700 at Clarksville Regional Airport in Clarksville, Tennessee, and 500 at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
“Military families, like many Americans, are feeling the impact of inflation and tightening budgets this year,” she said. “These families, many of them junior enlisted, deal with frequent relocations and starting over in a brand-new community and they need our support.”
Dollar Tree Stores Step Up
Each backpack is filled with items that children and teens from kindergarten through 12th grade will need for their school year.
These items include basic supplies such as pens, pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, scissors, glue and composition books.
Since 2008, most supplies have been contributed by Dollar Tree customers in stores across the nation.
“We couldn’t do this without them,” Samantha said. “Dollar Tree stores make it possible for their customers to contribute supplies to the backpacks.”
Driving Through
Operation Homefront follows the recommended CDC guidelines for local areas for their events.
“We’ve changed our formatting,” Samantha said. “It used to be an expo-style event. It was very festive. We’d have tables of resources for military providers and a one-stop shop for school supplies and education needs.
“Since 2020, we eliminated the indoor event and made it a drive-through. We also hand out flyers for our services and partner with other organizations who align with our mission and support America’s military families.”
4Patriots, which makes a monthly financial donation to Operation Homefront, provided 825 Patriot Power UV Disinfecting Power Banks to the recent Back-to-School Brigade across the Carolinas and Tennessee.
Serving Those Who’ve Served Us
Operation Homefront is a national 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.
Since 2002, thanks to the support of corporate and foundation partners, as well as individual donors, Operation Homefront has provided Critical Financial Assistance (CFA), transitional and permanent housing, and recurring family support programs and services to hundreds of thousands of military families each year.
That way, those families’ short-term financial challenges do not become long-term, debilitating issues. Operation Homefront provides financial relief pertaining to food, auto and home repair, as well as rent, mortgage, and utilities, among other needs to military families through their CFA program.
At its core, Operation Homefront serves America’s military families in their time of need because they have served all of us in our nation’s time of need.
Anyone seeking more information about Operation Homefront should visit OperationHomefront.org. Also, follow them across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on their programs and events.
Turn Your Cellphone Into a Survival Tool
If you find yourself in a survival situation, the first thing you’ll do is use your cellphone to call for help.
That’s all well and good if your cellphone is charged and if you can get a signal. If both are true, your problem is probably more of an inconvenience than a fight for survival.
And even if you’re in a remote place and can’t get a signal, other applications on your phone may be functioning. Such as email or texting.
While the message may not send immediately (your phone might tell you it’s “pending”), as you move around you may find an area where you do have a signal and it will send.
Make sure to include in that message where you are, what help you need and your physical condition if you have an injury.
Traditional uses
Calling, emailing or texting is the most obvious way to use your cellphone in an emergency situation. But there are others.
If you can access the Internet on your phone, you can download information that might help you navigate your way out of the problem. Including location and GPS capabilities.
For example, you might be able to find directions to a place of safety. Or where to find food and water.
And speaking of information, you might also access first-aid tips, how to start a fire with materials you have, how to purify water from an unfamiliar source and how to build a shelter.
Of course, the best thing to do is download this information on your phone BEFORE you find yourself in trouble. Sources could include books and magazine articles on survival, as well as Internet blog posts.
Light your way
Anytime you go far enough away from home that you can’t get back in a timely manner, you should have a flashlight with you.
But if you find yourself without one, your phone could be of assistance. It should have a flashlight application that will be a big help in the dark.
If that’s not working, the screen itself should light up enough to help you see things immediately in front of you. Especially if you set it at its brightest level.
A cellphone screen will never be a substitute for a flashlight. But some light will be better than none in a survival situation.
Fire-starting & signaling
Believe it or not, you might be able to use your cellphone to start a fire. And that could help you cook food or stay warm until help arrives. The smoke from your fire might also attract rescuers.
You’ve heard about the steel wool and battery trick. Maybe you’ve used it. If you have some steel wool, a small piece of metal or an aluminum gum wrapper in your backpack, you could remove the battery from your phone and try to get enough of a spark to light some kindling.
Signaling for help is something we’ve previously discussed at length. One of the ways to signal is with a mirror held up to reflect sunlight.
Now, if you don’t have a small mirror with you, you might be able to use your phone screen to accomplish the same thing.
Make a compass
How else could your cellphone come to your rescue? One is by using it to make a compass. Cellphones contain a magnet and small wires.
Sweep the magnet across the metal (not copper) wire approximately 10 times in the same direction. That direction will be the end of the wire you’ll eventually use to point north.
Next, float your wire in a small pool of still water. When that magnetized wire floats, it will direct itself in a north-south direction.
Once you have your directions down pat, you can make a decision regarding which way to head that will increase the likelihood of being found.
Binoculars and cutting devices
Your cellphone might also be able to serve as binoculars or a cutting device if you need either of them.
Use your phone’s camera to zoom in on an area that you might want to head. Then snap a photo of that area. When you open the photo, you can zoom in even more.
If you determine that your phone is dead, you might want to take it apart and use some of its parts to form a makeshift knife or spearhead.
You can sharpen the circuit board and metal mount by rubbing them against a smooth rock to accomplish this.
Make sure your lifeline is ready
As I mentioned at the beginning, using your cellphone the way it was intended to be used is your best bet for getting help in a crisis.
But those usages are generally dependent upon your phone being as charged as possible. It’s important to get in the habit of keeping your electronic devices fully charged. You never know what might happen.
And having a phone on hand when you need to call for help could make the difference between life and death.
This is why portable, backup power is essential in an emergency. Communication is critical to survival and your phone isn’t any help to you if it’s dead.
Patriot Power Cell
My top recommendation is the Patriot Power Cell. This pocket-sized power plant charges in the sun with a built-in solar panel. So, you’ll never have to worry about the internal battery wearing out.
With a pair of USB ports, you can charge two electronic devices at once. Including your cellphone. It features a “ruggedized” design that repels water and protects against drops. It even includes a flashlight.
The Patriot Power Cell has become so popular that most people buy them in 4-packs. That way they can keep 2 at home and the others in their vehicles. Or give a couple to family members.
Not Your Typical Survival Tips & Tricks
If I had a nickel for every survival tip I’ve ever heard or have communicated to others, I’d be a wealthy man. But I don’t, and I’m not.
You may have heard some of these tips yourself. Either from us or from other sources.
So rather than provide you with a laundry list of survival tips in the hopes that a few might be new to you, I’m going to do something a little different today.
I’m going to give you survival tips I’m hoping you’re not familiar with. Yes, a few of them might be a little “out there.” And most you’ll probably never have the chance to use. But who knows? One or more of them might come in handy someday.
Animal instincts
If you get bit by an animal, first clean and bandage the wound. But next – and this is crucial – go to your doctor. If you get rabies from the bite, you might feel fine for a while. But by the time you have symptoms, you could get very sick and maybe die.
Let’s say you’re suddenly confronted with a wild animal starting to come toward you. Running away will be your first instinct, but it could get you killed. The animal will probably catch you quickly. Instead, get behind or up into the nearest tree.
Now, if that animal is a bear and you have a choice of running uphill or downhill to get away, choose downhill. Because their front legs are longer than their back legs, they struggle with running downhill. They’ll catch you quickly if you run uphill.
Spider bites hurt, but their poison could hurt more once it gets fully into your bloodstream. Look to see if there is a red line running away from the bite toward your body. If so, find your way to the nearest emergency room asap.
Situational awareness
Anytime you enter a building you’re unfamiliar with, quickly familiarize yourself with as many of the exits as possible. You never know where you’ll be when an emergency might occur, but this way you’ll know where the nearest exit is.
The same is true with a hotel. Once you’ve checked into your room, find a diagram to determine several escape routes from your floor to the lobby or underground garage.
What would you do if you woke up in a coffin underground? The sides of a coffin are weaker than the top and bottom, so try to kick one of them out. Then take as deep of a breath as you can and start clawing your way up through the dirt. There will be plenty of time to hunt down your spouse later.
Always be aware of your surroundings and be ready to run if an attacker confronts you. But unless they have a weapon and you don’t, putting up a fight might buy you enough time to convince the assailant to flee.
Self-preservation
If you’ve ever been in a burning building, you know how petrifying it can be. Obviously you want to get out as quickly as possible. But if the smoke is getting thick, you’re better off crawling than running. The lower you are, the less smoke there will be.
Would you drive if you knew you were drunk? I certainly hope the answer to that question is a resounding “No!” But being overly tired is pretty much the same thing as being intoxicated. Pull over before you hurt yourself and/or someone else.
Anytime you’re going somewhere (camping, hiking, etc.) where cellphone service might be iffy, give your itinerary to family members and friends. If you get trapped somewhere, you’re going to need that person to alert someone who can find you.
You fall into a rapidly moving river. You should immediately try to swim to shore, right? Wrong. You could drown from hyperventilating. First focus on getting your breathing under control and floating. Then watch for something you can grab onto.
Miscellaneous
Here are a few more…
- Always carry a lighter. Even if you don’t smoke (good for you), you may need to start a fire.
- Always carry a water purification device. Such as a straw or tablets. You might need them for drinking or washing a wound.
- If you get a bug bite and don’t have an anti-itch ointment, use toothpaste on it.
- If you have to sleep outdoors without a sleeping bag, use leaves for insulation. Sleeping on the ground will lower your body temperature.
- If you’re caught outdoors in a lightning storm and can’t find shelter, get as low to the ground as possible and remove anything metal from your body, such as a belt buckle or jewelry.
- Never mix bleach and ammonia in the same room when cleaning. The vapors could make you sick or worse.
- If you have to break through a locked door, running into it could injure your shoulder. Instead, kick at its weakest point, which is next to the handle.
- When you call 911, first say where you are, then describe the emergency. If you get cut off, at least they’ll know how to find you.
- While camping, if you need to relieve yourself, do it at least 100 yards away and downwind from your campsite. Animals can smell that stuff.
- If you check into an Airbnb, ask if there are any hidden cameras in the room. They may not answer honestly, so shine a bright light at possible locations such as a smoke detector. A camera lens will give off a bluish reflection.
Bear-ly surviving
I saved what I think is the most interesting one for last. Can you tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear? Being able to do so could save your life.
Grizzly bears have a pronounced shoulder hump and black bears don’t. Grizzlies have a concave facial profile, smaller ears and larger claws than black bears, which have a “Roman nose” profile.
Why does this matter? If you think a grizzly bear may attack you, leave your backpack on, lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck and play dead. If you absolutely have to fight to survive, try to hit the bear in the face with your backpack or fists.
If you think a black bear might attack you, don’t play dead. Apparently they like that. Try to escape downhill. Again, if you have to fight, aim for the bear’s face with punches and kicks. Apparently they don’t like that.
I’m willing to bet you have some weird survival tips and tricks up your sleeve. Feel free to share them in the comments section. Stay safe out there.
4Patriots Donates to Operation Homefront’s Star Spangled Babies Program
Due to deployments and frequent relocations, military parents-to-be often live far from their extended families and support systems.
As with many new parents, they have questions, concerns, and fears. And that’s why Operation Homefront launched its Star Spangled Babies program in 2008. The organization provides these parents-to-be with critical baby items.
At the recent Star Spangled Babies event in Clarksville, Tennessee, 50 expectant mothers were served.
Each received a baby bundle including baby wash and lotion, pacifiers, wipes, onesies and teethers. Plus baby towels, baby blankets and baby carriers. As well as boppy pillows, white noise machines and more.
Expectant mothers also received diapers, breastfeeding starter kits from Kiinde, and emergency kits from Tactical Baby Gear. Additionally, they each received a 3-pack of Blackout Beacon Emergency Lights from 4Patriots.
Expectant Mothers Grateful for the Help
“A mother at the event was impressed with the Blackout Beacon Emergency Lights and loved that she was given a 3-pack,” said Alexis Contreras, Program Manager at Operation Homefront.
“She expressed how impressed she was of all its potential uses and noted that she would be using one as a motion-sensor night light.”
Here are a few other comments from expectant mothers regarding the gifts they received from Operation Homefront:
“Being new parents to our first child, it can be hard at times. We really appreciate the extra diapers and things we weren’t able to buy before the baby arrived.”
“You have no idea how helpful this event was for our family. This is our first baby and being away from family has been tough!”
“My family appreciates your events that truly help us during these trying times. Everyone is so nice and welcoming.”
More Than 19,700 Mothers Served
Alexis said Star Spangled Babies events are held at locations across the country throughout the calendar year.
In 2021, Operation Homefront served more than 950 expectant mothers. Since inception, the Star-Spangled Babies program has served more than 19,700 new mothers.
“Mothers have been extremely appreciative of the Star Spangled Babies program and have highlighted the items gifted to be budget-relieving to expectant military families,” Alexis added.
The Star Spangled Babies program is supported by both direct donor funding and designated funding.
Serving America’s Military Families
Operation Homefront is a national 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.
Since 2002, thanks to the support of corporate and foundation partners, as well as individual donors, Operation Homefront has provided Critical Financial Assistance (CFA), transitional and permanent housing, and recurring family support programs and services to hundreds of thousands of military families each year.
That way, those families’ short-term financial challenges do not become long-term, debilitating issues. Operation Homefront provides financial relief pertaining to food, auto and home repair. As well as rent, mortgage, and utilities, among other needs to military families through their CFA program.
At its core, Operation Homefront serves America’s military families in their time of need because they have served all of us in our nation’s time of need.
Back-to-School Brigade – Another Aid to Military Parents
Another one of Operation Homefront’s programs is its annual Back-to-School Brigade. This program provides fully stocked backpacks to tens of thousands of children of military members each year.
Each backpack is filled with items that children and teens from kindergarten through 12th grade will need for their school year.
These items include basic supplies such as pens, pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, scissors, glue, binders and composition books. Since 2008, most of the supplies have been contributed by Dollar Tree customers in stores across the nation.
“We couldn’t do this without them,” said Samantha Martin, Area Manager for Operation Homefront. “Dollar Tree stores make it possible for their customers to contribute supplies to the backpacks.”
More Than 450,000 Backpacks Distributed
Last year during a two-month period, Operation Homefront distributed approximately 30,000 backpacks filled with donated school supplies at more than 130 different locations in all 50 states.
Since 2008, Operation Homefront has distributed more than 450,000 of these backpacks, saving families over $50 million.
“When many of us think of summer, we think of pools, popsicles and picnics,” Samantha said. “For military families, it’s PCS (permanent change of station) season and getting ready to start their kids in a new school.
“Military families have unique challenges. With the Back-to-School Brigade, we try to ease the financial burden on parents and give the kids something to smile about. It’s very important to let them all know they have a support system.”
4Patriots, which makes a monthly financial donation to Operation Homefront, provided 800 of its 72-hour Survival Food Kits to last year’s Back-to-School Brigade at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
